With the 2024-25 season now in the books and the Oklahoma City Thunder crowned champions, all 30 teams are now laser-focused on enhancing their roster. Only one of those teams will go into the summer knowing that their franchise star won’t be playing at all next season. Unfortunately, it’s the team that fell to the Thunder in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals: the Indiana Pacers.
Pacers Leader Tyrese Haliburton ‘Expected’ To Miss 2025-26 Season With Achilles Injury
On Monday, ESPN senior insider Shane Charania confirmed everyone’s suspicions, reporting that Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton tore his right Achilles tendon in Game 7. Though most basketball fans aren’t medical professionals, the video of the injury all but speaks for itself. On Sunday, his father —who many may know from his exchange with Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo —had alluded to this outcome at halftime.
What had not been known was Haliburton’s recovery timeline. However, The Athletic’s Joe Vardon has cleared that up, albeit in a rather heart-wrenching manner. Pouring salt on the wound, he reveals that Haliburton’s Achilles tear “will require surgery and is expected to knock him out for all of next season.”
Next Man Up
With TJ McConnell and Andrew Nembhard on the roster, the Pacers aren’t going to be stuck in first gear. Indeed, the duo played a pivotal role in keeping the NBA Finals close in Game 7. At one point, McConnell scored 12 straight points.
Bennedict Mathurin, who led the team with 24 points, started the second half in place of Haliburton. Pascal Siakam didn’t play well in the second half of Game 7. However, he led the team with 19.3 points per game that series.
Still, Haliburton is their leader. He’s their engine. His combination of playmaking and shot-making is unmatched by anyone currently on the roster. If McConnell nor Nembhard improve exponentially from beyond the arc, their offense will be significantly altered by his absence.
Plan B
The Pacers misfortune could lead to them making a luxury addition, signing free agent point guard Chris Paul.
The future Hall of Fame inductee is second all-time in career assists and steals. He’s 14th among active players in career 3s, with a career 3-point percentage of .370. At 40 years old, his best days are behind him. Yet, he already has multiple suitors this offseason.
As a stop-gap signing on a one-year deal, Paul could be as good as it gets. However, D’Angelo Russell and Tyus Jones could be alternate options. Neither have Paul’s experience, success or reputation. Nonetheless, they’re two of the league’s better passers and 3-point shooters.
The Pacers could also make a trade.
Notably, there are multiple point guards that will be on expiring contracts next season. Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton, Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons and Chicago Bulls guard Coby White are two of the most noteworthy. While not as heady as Haliburton, they’re brilliant from beyond the arc. In the event there are bigger questions about Haliburton’s future, they could also be the ace up their sleeve.
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